ExecuJet South Africa has been named an approved agent for Garmin, the satellite navigation firm. ExecuJet South Africa’s on-site avionics shop also is an approved dealer or installer for Avidyne, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, S-Tec and Universal Avionics products. In addition, the EASA Part 145-approved facility offers maintenance services for business aircraft built by Bombardier, Dassault, Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft.
PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA PT6A-15AG, -27, -28, -34, -34AG, -34B and -36 engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-1038; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-31-AD; Amendment 39-16843; AD 2011-20-51] – Remove certain part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement Timken Alcor Aerospace Technologies Inc. (TAATI) first-stage reduction sun gears and the interacting planet gears from the propeller reduction gearbox assembly. This AD was prompted by failures of certain PMA sun gears manufactured by TAATI. This directive is effective Nov.
Industry leaders will have the ear of at least one of the presidential candidates today (Oct. 24) during the National Air Transportation Association’s annual Aviation Business Roundtable. Herman Cain, the businessman, columnist and radio host who announced his candidacy May 21, will provide a presidential election perspective to attendees of NATA’s event. Other leaders participating include FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) and a number of industry leaders.
James Bond would be proud of a new Avro Business Jet cabin layout that has been unveiled by U.K. design consultancy Design Q. The so-called “ABJ Q” interior is a contemporary living and working space that is “bristling with technology and gadgets that are discretely concealed in the beautifully crafted furniture but available at a moment’s notice,” the company says.
NORBERT EHRICH was named vice president and general manager of Central and South America for Jet Aviation. Ehrich will focus on the company’s operations in São Paulo and Sorocaba, Brazil, as well as explore additional business opportunities in Central and South America. He will be responsible for all of Jet Aviation’s lines of business in this region. Ehrich has served with Jet Aviation for nearly 20 years, most recently as leader of its fixed-base operations in Palm Beach, Fla., Dallas and St. Louis.
House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee John Mica (R-Fla.) has joined the growing chorus of lawmakers opposing the White House’s proposed $100 air traffic services fee. In a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (or the so-called Super Committee), Mica says the proposed $100-per-flight fee “is an arbitrary number with no basis for its establishment.”
FOKKER F27 Mark 050, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700; and F28 airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-0568; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-010-AD; Amendment 39-16824; AD 2011-21-01] – Rework the wiring to the fuel pilot-valve solenoid and install a fuse packed in a jiffy junction (crimped wire in-line junction device). Also, revise the maintenance program to include a Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation.
The Transportation Security Administration has been able to work more closely with FAA and Secret Service on addressing concerns surrounding temporary flight restrictions (TFR), says Doug Hofsass, TSA deputy assistant administrator for transportation sector network management, adding, “We couldn’t have said that two years ago. There was just a different level of trust.” This is especially important considering the country is entering an election year, when numerous TFRs are expected to pop up, Hofsass says. “The TFR process is starting to come along quite nicely.”
CHIP FICHTNER has joined Associated Air Center as vice president, engineering. Fichtner previously served as director of production, engineering and program management for Gore Design Completions, where he led the engineering, operations and program management on multiple narrow and widebody VIP completions. He also has served as vice president, engineering and quality for Ozark Aircraft Systems.
GENERAL ELECTRIC CF34-10E engines [Docket No. FAA-2011-0599; Directorate Identifier 2011-NE-19-AD] – This proposed AD would require operators to remove service center vent duct (CVD) support assemblies from certain engines and remove any fan driveshaft from service if wear were found on either the CVD support ring or the fan driveshaft. This proposal is designed to prevent fan driveshaft failure, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane. FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 71 engines installed on airplanes on the U.S.
Haughey Air Limited has ordered an AgustaWestland AW139 for VIP transport. The medium-twin helicopter, which will be based in Northern Ireland, is to be delivered in 2012. Nearly 600 AW139s have been sold and more than 400 are in service worldwide.
Gulfstream Aerospace continues to expect certification of its G650 ultra-long-range business jet this year, but initial approval will be provisional and full certification is anticipated in early 2012, company executives say.
Environmentalists last week scored a major victory in their attempt to end the distribution, sale and use of aviation gasoline when a federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by the California Avgas Coalition that sought to block the effort.
ExecuJet’s South African operation has achieved International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) certification, effective last month. “Being IS-BAO registered is the ultimate expression of the safety culture we have at ExecuJet,” says Karen Piek, quality assurance manager - ExecuJet Africa. “Everyone is aware of their individual role in achieving and ensuring a safe working environment for us and our clients. The IS-BAO registration has been a benchmark for us, and we are very proud that we have managed to reach it.”
Manufacturers of the smallest business jets and turboprops will be required to conduct function and reliability (F&R) certification tests on new aircraft designs under new rules released last week. FAA on Oct. 18 issued a final rule formally requiring F&R tests for certification of all Part 23 turbine-powered aircraft weighing 6,000 lbs. or more. The tests have long been required for larger turbine aircraft.
Avidyne has added “multi-touch” functionality to its IFD540 touch-screen navigation/communication unit. The avionics maker says multi-touch enables pilots to use just two fingers to “pinch zoom” and scroll, making the system easier to use. Multi-touch is one of the several additional capabilities that the company says it will unveil in the coming months. The IFD540 is a slide-in replacement for the popular GNS530 navigators.
The entry of new aircraft, such as Gulfstream’s G650, is placing the industry on a solid footing to emerge from the downcycle, but continuing economic uncertainties cloud the immediate future, analysts attending the recent National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention believe.
JOHN LANGEVIN was promoted to vice president and general manager, fixed-base operations (FBOs), North America for Jet Aviation. In this role, Langevin will manage all of Jet Aviation’s U.S. FBOs, including Teterboro, N.J.; Boston/Bedford, Mass.; Palm Beach, Fla.; St. Louis and Dallas. He has more than 30 years of experience, joining Jet Aviation in 1981 and holding positions of increasing responsibility. In 2005 he was appointed general manager of Jet Aviation Teterboro.
ZANE COX has joined Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) as technical advisor. Cox has more than 25 years of aviation experience, including the past 10 with Rolls-Royce in Tucson, Ariz. There, he was regional customer service manager, supporting corporate operators at service centers throughout the West Coast.
COMMANDER 112, 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B and 114TC airplanes [Docket No. FAA-2011-1128; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-031-AD] – This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the elevator spar for cracks. If any cracks were found, operators would need to either replace the elevator spar with a serviceable one or repair/modify the spar with an FAA-approved procedure.
A J Walter Aviation, the aircraft parts supplier, is expanding into business aircraft spares support. In partnership with its business aircraft sales and acquisition broker, Loudoun Aviation, AJW has extended its commercial spare parts and power-by-the-hour programs to owners/operators of corporate Boeing and Airbus aircraft, primarily for the BBJ and ACJ, but also corporate conversions of commercial airliners.
Jetnet’s new quarterly business aviation index, the iQ Fly/Buy Index, indicates the market for aircraft operations and purchases improved in the past two quarters. The iQ Fly/Buy Index is a composite measure of expected flight activity and new aircraft orders over the next 12 months. Based on responses to Jetnet iQ’s Global Business Aviation Surveys, the iQ Fly/Buy Index was established at a value of 100 based on market conditions at the beginning of this year. The index in the second quarter was 113.6.
BRIAN THOMPSON , formerly president of Vector Aerospace Engine Services-Atlantic, has taken the position of senior vice president-global engine services for the company (VAESA). In his new role, he will be responsible for fixed-wing engine sales coordination and operational integration. Thompson joined VAESA in 2006 as president.
ED BAILLIF has joined Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) as product line specialist. Baillif previously spent 15 years with Rolls-Royce in a variety of technical positions. He is a former jet engine mechanic for the U.S. Air Force, and received his airframe and powerplant license from the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, where he spent four years teaching jet engine theory.
